After market parts... pros and cons?

[Dave Kay]

Reading another post here about "remanufactured crap" makes me wonder about a lot of the stuff that's out there for our year/model trucks... lately I've been on a buying spree, mostly on eBay, and all the stuff I've picked up for my currently stalled projects has been genuine GM parts. Some NOS, some used. But there are some things that a guy just can't seem to get hands on (without paying thru the nose) like dash-cover, mirrors, interior, tailgate, stepside fenders, etc.,  OR, if it is out there it's in pretty bad shape and people want tons o' money for it.

So after looking at some of the aftermarket reproduction catalogs and the WAY CHEAP prices, makes me question just how good/bad the stuff actually is. Wondering what kind of experinces others have had with the aftermarket parts--- Good/bad? Pros/cons? Any reccomended vendors?

I should add that from my own personal experience, in my Volkwagon-days, the quality of almost ALL reproduction stuff deteriorated to the point that in fact now-a-days, most aftermarket stuff for V-dubs is just pure junk... are our Chevy/GMC trucks headed that way too?

[VileZambonie]

Don't confuse NOS with OEM stuff as a lot of people like to call one the other for some reason. Stay away from chrome and trim from  . Do not use dashes direct or   dash pads. Use only GM dash pads and they are still available 81-87 style. Be very careful of sheetmetal form   also it's bottom of the barrel crap most of the time. Other than that I personally haven't had many problems. I think Reflexxion makes a nice aftermarket hood. Everything else I've ever had fit like crap too.

[nova801428]

What do you suggest using then?  This site gives good products right? 

[VileZambonie]

It depends what you're looking for. This site only sells good stuff.

[nova801428]

Dash?  Interior stuff?  Chrome trim?

[Dave Kay]

It depends what you're looking for. This site only sells good stuff.

Thanks a bunch for the input Mr. VileZambonie but for everyone else--- whoa, whoa, whoa--- I sincerly hope that in no way--- NO ONE was thinking that I'm questioning the products you guys sell on this site, on the contrarey--- I have no doubt that what's being sold here is what you guys actually put on your trucks--- 'nuff said? (not trying to start a war here...)

[VileZambonie]

Dash get from GM and paint or dye to match. Forget the aftermarket ones they are atrocious. Most of the other after market stuff is ok with the exception of door panels. Most aftermarket door panels are flimsy and not great factory replacements. Lots of manufacturers out there for seats. Qualitex has always made good parts. Chrome...good luck

[79shortbed]

wat about www.classicparts.com ? i see there rig and booth at all the big swap meets.

[Captkaos]

We have the 81-91 dashes in the catalog.
Chrome, as Vile said it depends, most of chrome stuff I sell is from Goodmark.  I don't sell alot though...

We also have carpet, seat covers, visors and headliners for the interior.

[nova801428]

I need the chrome that goes around my grille, where would I find that?  I found some at   but anymore from the stories I don't want to buy anything from them.

[Captkaos]

This is the frontend stuff I have...
http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=7&Category_Code=7387FC

[nova801428]

And it good before you ship, right? 

[Captkaos]

What do you mean good before I ship..  The parts?  yes they are good...

[nova801428]

Well, I meant that you are selling good parts....before (if) they get screwed up in shipping....nothing against you.

[Captkaos]

Why would you think I would be selling purposely damaged goods?